Fabulous fabrics from Trina Turk

Trina Turk has a new outdoor fabric offering through Schumacher and it is indeed fabulous. The chaise above is upholstered in my top choice for my back yard, "Zebra" and "Super Paradise Print". Zebra, shown just below in the colorway Bamboo, is a modern interpretation of an animal skin pattern yet taken to a very graphic level.





Super Paradise Print in Pool was inspired by exotic Asian motifs but interpreted in a completely modern manner. Really stunning as an accent pillow though this pattern could be outstanding in grommet style drapery in an outdoor room as well.



Sunglass Print in Orange was adapted from a previous design from Trina's vintage collection. Inspiration from connecting oversized sunglasses. I can see this print upholstered on a tightly woven vintage rattan chaise or a cool modern outdoor sofa finished in a chocolate brown.



Santorini Print in Marine is a simple but bold geometric pattern for a crisp design approach. This pattern will look great on high-style modern pieces or can add interest to a rustic woven wicker.



Peacock Print in Punch is inspired by an ikat woven design. Colorful and dramatic with an exotic look. This bold flamestitch print will look smashing on upholstered chairs, dramatic curtains and cushions, both indoors and out.

To see more go to http://www.fschumacher.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?For=&Cols=Trina%20Turk%20Indoor%20/%20Outdoor&ResultsPerPage=ViewAll

Rich muted color

This recent project in the SF neighborhood of Diamond Heights
called for selecting a neutral palette that was rich yet soothing.



The home office (computer is behind the louvered doors) has a calming feel to it.



The trim around the doors, windows and base carry the rich, warm gray quite effectively throughout the space.



There was opportunity to add a splash of bold color though it was strategically placed. The bold rust meshes nicely with the dark wood of the vanity and the boldness of the gray-green ceramic tile.



This soothing view from the front door looking in is complimented by the gray-green walls and the cool slate floor.

Outdoor Dining Rooms

Tuscan Dining

Inspired by the casual elegance of Mediterranean-style gardens, the patio is carpeted with pea gravel. The table-top is concrete.



Dramatic desert dining

Check out this privacy wall made from aluminum flashing, woven like a ribbon, creating a glamorous shimmering wall.



Hillside dining hideaway

This outdoor dining area is built against a steep uphill slope, the owners dug it out with a pick and shovel.



Flying colors

Colorful fabrics give this gazebo drama ― especially when lit from within.



Flagstone furnishings

This custom-built dining table is right at home in this Southwestern courtyard. The table is made from the same flagstone as the slender serving counter tucked against the wall, neat idea!



Mission magic

The earthy oranges and Pacific blue tones of the San Jose tile plaque on the wall are repeated in paint, table surface, and flower colors. The painting by Nancy Kintisch was waterproofed for outdoors.

For more outdoor rooms; http://www.sunset.com/home/outdoor-living/great-outdoor-dining-rooms-00400000049922/page29.html

Ceramic Tile Inspiration

Beautiful inspiration from Iris Ceramica for your kitchen...



Pop art inspiration in soft yellow and bold black...



Retro...a play on texture



Crisp, clean, minimal...



Rich blacks with soft white...

See more inspiration @ http://www.irisceramica.com/ceramic/design/kitchen-tiles/2/

Cool Living Rooms

Set brightly colored eye-catching furniture against a backdrop of dramatic striped wallpaper for a bold look that's full of elegance. The wallpaper is from Osborne & Little and the find a similar sofa at George Smith.
http://www.georgesmith.com/




A neutral scheme with monochrome accents suits an Art Deco setting. Echo the window lines and paint up to dado height in a richer shade to add depth and create a backdrop. Play with scale to keep the look modern.



A mixture of gold and black makes for a glamorous scheme that is heightened by shimmering fabrics and striking McGegan Rose wallpaper by Timorous Beasties. Obtained through the trade.
http://www.timorousbeasties.com/



A quirky, unforced mix of eclectic finds achieves a room that isn't too styled or streamlined, but still feels natural and inviting. The coffee table and cowhide rug are antiques and the armchair is from Andrew Martin.
http://www.andrewmartin.co.uk/

To see more cool living rooms go to: http://www.livingetc.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=5789

Colorful Kitchens

Neon brights don't have to be full-on to make a statement. Add just an occasional accent colour to instantly give edge to an otherwise safe scheme.



Add some zest into a small kitchen space. Streamlined cupboards in vibrant yellow define this uncluttered space and give character to the functional design.



This unusual wood veneer perfectly matches the orange wall, which is then toned down by the inclusion of stainless steel fitted units and backsplash.



The linear grey pattern of the wallpaper tones down the bright yellow, so that rather than competing, they actually compliment each other.



Create a spot of colour in the kitchen by placing dark red units like these Poggenpohl ones against white walls. Complete the look with an old-fashioned chandelier. This one was sourced from a flea market, but Oliver Bonas has similar ones.

For more beautiful kitchens go to: http://www.livingetc.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=2035

Inspiring Dining Rooms

Choose over-sized key pieces, like this porcelaine chandelier and convex mirror from Atelier Abigail Aherne, to make a big impression.



A monochrome look can be softened by using cream instead of white, and using very dark woods instead of black. The white dining table and Hans Wegner Wishbone chairs are from Twentytwentyone.



Activate all your senses at the dinner table with bolts of blue, green and yellow. Ultrabellini chairs from The Conran Shop and Miroir rug from Ligne Roset.



Run a long, slender mirror along the entire length of one vibrantly-painted wall to make a room appear larger. For extra eye candy, hang a shock of floral wallpaper on an adjacent wall, then dress the space with sleek furniture.



Use retro patterns for a bold and colourful dining room. Here a decorative stripe in a different colour of the same wallpaper creates an eye-catching feature.

To see more inspiring dining rooms go to: http://www.livingetc.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=3243

Bedrooms that Inspire

Give your bedroom a luxurious look with mirrored furniture and a flash of color. Here, the taupe-on-taupe stripe wallpaper and buttoned headboard give the room a tailored feel that’s softened by the cozy throw and vintage-inspired bed linen. Finish off the look with a shaggy carpet to treat your feet



To get a classic 60s look, combine bright colors and strong pattern. There are plenty of contemporary fabrics and wallpapers about that hark back to this era. Think bold geometric patterns.



Keep purple rich and vibrant so it doesn't make the room feel gloomy. Avoid using it wall-to-wall, but combine patterned wallpaper with painted walls in a corresponding tone. Choose accessories in the same purple as your wall color, and team with plush velvets and silks to add to the opulent feel that purple creates.




A bedroom needs to feel calm but doesn't mean it can't work hard. Choosing the right storage is key. Go for a bed that has concealed storage underneath, then dress it with luxurious linens, pretty cushions and a coordinating throw.



A traditional Victorian-style bed is teamed with modern damask wallpaper and elegant curtains for a dramatic look that marries old and new styles. Shimmering fabrics add to the glam factor.



Here, bold color and pattern are provided by wallpaper and curtains, while fabrics and accessories tone down the look in paler, solid blocks of color. The sleigh bed's pale fabric is ideal for most color schemes, so it wouldn't need to be re-upholstered if the style of the room was changed. Clear bedside tables make the room seem more spacious while the white, curvy lamps add a glamorous feel.

For more inspiration go to: http://www.housetohome.co.uk/galleries/bedroom.html

Responsibly Re-salvaged Wood Furnishings

I discovered a furniture manufacturer based in NY that uses wood slabs that are domestically sourced from either salvaged trees or wind/storm damaged trees. You will see beautifully designed furniture that is built with respect to each individual tree's natural form or grain detail. Hudson Furniture Inc. is also New York's only repository for legally harvested petrified wood.







For more information on this beautifully sustainable product go to: http://www.hudsonfurnitureinc.com/2007/

Gorgeous Bathrooms in Eco-Friendly Glass.

Let's face it, bathrooms are very important rooms in our homes and besides being beautiful, it is equally important that our baths are eco-friendly. First and foremost, the quickest way to green a bath is through water saving fixtures such as dual flush toilets, low-flow faucets and shower heads. Do make sure they are EPA certified WaterSense products. Let's hope that the water saving approach to bathrooms is becoming a standard these days.



Water aside, the surface materials used such as tile, can play a big role in your bathroom's overall eco-friendliness. One of my absolute favorite tile options is Oceanside recycled glass. You will quickly notice, glass tile has an endless array of color options, shapes and sizes. Depending on tile color, the recycled content can vary from 20% to 84% recycled glass.




In the long run whether you use bold punchy color in your bath, or go with pale serene neutrals. Just using a recycled material wins you kudos in my book.

For more information on Oceanside recycled glass tile go to: http://glasstile.com/